<p>A massive massive solar flare erupted last night from a giant unstable sunspot, which caused radio blackouts on Earth and sent a hot plasma plume through the sun's atmosphere at speeds of 400 km/s, Space.com reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A solar flare is a brief eruption of intense high-energy radiation from the sun's surface. It is associated with sunspots and leads to radio and magnetic disturbances on the Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report mentioned that solar physicist Keith Strong posted details about the eruption on X, stating that the long-duration solar flare from the sunspot region AR3575 began on Monday (Feb 5) at 8:30 pm EST (0130 GMT on Feb 6). He said that it peaked at 10:15 EST (0315 GMT on Feb 6).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/space-marvel-nasas-incredible-shot-of-moon-earth-in-one-frame-leaves-internet-awestruck-687615">Space marvel! NASA's incredible shot of Moon, Earth in one frame leaves internet awestruck</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The eruption also caused coronal mass ejections (CME), which according to NASA are huge bubbles of coronal plasma threaded by intense magnetic field lines which are ejected from the Sun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The CME can produce a geomagnetic storm, which can lead to anomalies and disruptions on Earth, especially to the modern conveniences the world relies on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On one side geomagnetic storms cause magnificent auroras - a delight to sky-watchers, on the other hand, they cause disturbances to the Earth-orbiting satellites.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While commenting on the CME, Strong said in the post that the region where the solar flare generated is a "long way south" of the Sun, hence, it could pass under Earth.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/james-webb-telescope-clicks-a-photobombing-galaxy-687619">James Webb telescope clicks a 'photobombing' galaxy</a></strong></p>

<p>Space.com report stated that the M-flare produced widespread radio blackouts due to the intense pulse of X-rays and high ultraviolet radiation pacing towards Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The radiation arrived on Earth in just over eight minutes and ionised the upper layer of the atmosphere causing shortwave radio blackouts in the sun-lit region of the planet at the time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Spaceweather.com, Australia and Southeast Asia experienced shortwave blackouts. Ham radio operators and mariners in the area might have suffered a loss of signal at frequencies below 30 MHz for around an hour.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A massive massive solar flare erupted last night from a giant unstable sunspot, which caused radio blackouts on Earth and sent a hot plasma plume through the sun's atmosphere at speeds of 400 km/s, Space.

A massive massive solar flare erupted last night from a giant unstable sunspot, which caused radio blackouts on Earth and sent a hot plasma plume through the sun's atmosphere at speeds of 400 km/s, Space.com reported. A solar flare is a brief eruption of intense high-energy radiation from the sun's surface. It is associated with sunspots and leads to radio and magnetic disturbances on the Earth. The report mentioned that solar physicist Keith Strong posted details about the eruption on X, stating that the long-duration solar flare from the sunspot region AR3575 began on Monday (Feb 5) at 8:30 pm EST (0130 GMT on Feb 6). He said that it peaked at 10:15 EST (0315 GMT on Feb 6). Also read: Space marvel! NASA's incredible shot of Moon, Earth in one frame leaves internet awestruck The eruption also caused coronal mass ejections (CME), which according to NASA are huge bubbles of coronal plasma threaded by intense magnetic field lines which are ejected from the Sun. The CME can produce a geomagnetic storm, which can lead to anomalies and disruptions on Earth, especially to the modern conveniences the world relies on. On one side geomagnetic storms cause magnificent auroras - a delight to sky-watchers, on the other hand, they cause disturbances to the Earth-orbiting satellites. While commenting on the CME, Strong said in the post that the region where the solar flare generated is a "long way south" of the Sun, hence, it could pass under Earth. Also read: James Webb telescope clicks a 'photobombing' galaxy Space.com report stated that the M-flare produced widespread radio blackouts due to the intense pulse of X-rays and high ultraviolet radiation pacing towards Earth. The radiation arrived on Earth in just over eight minutes and ionised the upper layer of the atmosphere causing shortwave radio blackouts in the sun-lit region of the planet at the time. According to Spaceweather.com, Australia and Southeast Asia experienced shortwave blackouts. Ham radio operators and mariners in the area might have suffered a loss of signal at frequencies below 30 MHz for around an hour. (With inputs from agencies)

Massive solar flare causes radio blackouts across Australia and Southeast Asia

<p>A powerful solar flare recently caused a temporary radio blackout in the western US and the Pacific Ocean. The flare, unleashed by an active sunspot region known as AR 3354, was classified as an X1.0, making it one of the strongest flares observed from the Sun. It affected Earth's upper atmosphere, interfering with high-frequency radio signals in the area facing the Sun at that time.</p>

<p>Fortunately, the impact on Earth was not as severe as it could have been. The flare subsided without any additional incidents, and astronomers did not detect a coronal mass ejection, which is often associated with such events and can launch plasma streams into space.</p>

<h2><strong>More intense solar activity expected</strong></h2>

<p>This eruption aligns with the ongoing solar cycle, indicating that we can expect more intense solar activity in the coming months as we approach the peak of the 11-year cycle. The Royal Observatory of Belgium reported a 21-year high in sunspot counts, with an average of 163 sunspots per day in June.</p>

<h2><strong>How are solar flares/sunspots formed?</strong></h2>

<p>Solar activity follows a regular pattern with peaks and lows occurring every 11 years. These cycles, known as solar maximum and solar minimum, are driven by the Sun's magnetic field.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;China is making a 'mini sun' as global fusion race heats up</strong></p>

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<p>Sunspots, temporary regions with strong magnetic fields, play a role in the generation of solar flares and coronal mass ejections. The more the sunspots, the more frequent are these bursts of energy.</p>

<h2><strong>The current solar cycle</strong></h2>

<p>We are currently in Solar Cycle 25 and expected to reach a solar maximum around July 2025. However, this cycle has shown greater activity than anticipated by NASA and the NOAA, with the official prediction of around 115 sunspots at the peak.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-report-hints-at-blocking-sunlight-to-cool-planet-earth-610980"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;White House report hints at blocking sunlight to cool planet Earth</strong></a></p>

<p>Scientists are unsure why the Sun has been more active than expected, and further observation is necessary to improve future predictions and deepen our understanding of the Sun's internal processes.</p>

<h2><strong>How can solar flares impact people on Earth?</strong></h2>

<p>Solar activity has implications for Earth, as demonstrated by the recent flare. It can affect various aspects of our lives, including satellite communications, power grids, and animal behaviour. Historical events like the Carrington Event in 1859, which caused telegraph system failures, highlight the potential for catastrophic consequences from intense solar storms.</p>

<p>While Solar Cycle 25 is not yet the strongest on record, scientists predict that it could become one of the most powerful.&nbsp;</p>

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A powerful solar flare recently caused a temporary radio blackout in the western US and the Pacific Ocean. The flare, unleashed by an active sunspot region known as AR 3354, was classified as an X1.

A powerful solar flare recently caused a temporary radio blackout in the western US and the Pacific Ocean. The flare, unleashed by an active sunspot region known as AR 3354, was classified as an X1.0, making it one of the strongest flares observed from the Sun. It affected Earth's upper atmosphere, interfering with high-frequency radio signals in the area facing the Sun at that time. Fortunately, the impact on Earth was not as severe as it could have been. The flare subsided without any additional incidents, and astronomers did not detect a coronal mass ejection, which is often associated with such events and can launch plasma streams into space. More intense solar activity expected This eruption aligns with the ongoing solar cycle, indicating that we can expect more intense solar activity in the coming months as we approach the peak of the 11-year cycle. The Royal Observatory of Belgium reported a 21-year high in sunspot counts, with an average of 163 sunspots per day in June. How are solar flares/sunspots formed? Solar activity follows a regular pattern with peaks and lows occurring every 11 years. These cycles, known as solar maximum and solar minimum, are driven by the Sun's magnetic field. Watch: China is making a 'mini sun' as global fusion race heats up × Sunspots, temporary regions with strong magnetic fields, play a role in the generation of solar flares and coronal mass ejections. The more the sunspots, the more frequent are these bursts of energy. The current solar cycle We are currently in Solar Cycle 25 and expected to reach a solar maximum around July 2025. However, this cycle has shown greater activity than anticipated by NASA and the NOAA, with the official prediction of around 115 sunspots at the peak. Also read: White House report hints at blocking sunlight to cool planet Earth Scientists are unsure why the Sun has been more active than expected, and further observation is necessary to improve future predictions and deepen our understanding of the Sun's internal processes. How can solar flares impact people on Earth? Solar activity has implications for Earth, as demonstrated by the recent flare. It can affect various aspects of our lives, including satellite communications, power grids, and animal behaviour. Historical events like the Carrington Event in 1859, which caused telegraph system failures, highlight the potential for catastrophic consequences from intense solar storms. While Solar Cycle 25 is not yet the strongest on record, scientists predict that it could become one of the most powerful. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Massive solar flare causes radio blackout in US and Pacific Ocean

<p>On Saturday (May 7), the world may witness minor radio blackouts. Well, if you do, it may be due to a weak solar storm, which will pass through Earth, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The NOAA gave vital information in a new space weather forecast, the media reports said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>This is happening as the sun has been witnessing a heightened activity for some months. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/committing-crimes-on-moon-or-in-orbit-may-turn-illegal-for-canadian-astronauts-soon-476882" hreflang="en">Committing crimes on Moon or in orbit may turn illegal for Canadian astronauts soon</a></strong></p>

<p>It is currently emitting several powerful solar flares. The giant explosions of plasma, which are known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs), are also released with flares sometimes. &nbsp;</p>

<p>When the CMEs pass through Earth, they temporarily compress the magnetic shield of the planet, which causes geomagnetic storms.&nbsp;These can muddle radio waves, take down power grids and damage satellites, a Live Science report said. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Decoding UFOs: What do we know about ‘flying saucers’?</strong></p>

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<p>As per NOAA, the majority of the geomagnetic storms are mild. But the largest CMEs can lead to devastating storms. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Usually, the CMEs take around 15 to 18 hours to reach Earth after leaving the sun. &nbsp;</p>

<p>A gigantic "cannibal CME", which means two CMEs combined into one, had smashed into Earth in late March.</p>

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On Saturday (May 7), the world may witness minor radio blackouts. Well, if you do, it may be due to a weak solar storm, which will pass through Earth, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said.

On Saturday (May 7), the world may witness minor radio blackouts. Well, if you do, it may be due to a weak solar storm, which will pass through Earth, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said. The NOAA gave vital information in a new space weather forecast, the media reports said. This is happening as the sun has been witnessing a heightened activity for some months. Also Read: Committing crimes on Moon or in orbit may turn illegal for Canadian astronauts soon It is currently emitting several powerful solar flares. The giant explosions of plasma, which are known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs), are also released with flares sometimes. When the CMEs pass through Earth, they temporarily compress the magnetic shield of the planet, which causes geomagnetic storms. These can muddle radio waves, take down power grids and damage satellites, a Live Science report said. Watch | Decoding UFOs: What do we know about ‘flying saucers’? × As per NOAA, the majority of the geomagnetic storms are mild. But the largest CMEs can lead to devastating storms. Usually, the CMEs take around 15 to 18 hours to reach Earth after leaving the sun. A gigantic "cannibal CME", which means two CMEs combined into one, had smashed into Earth in late March. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Warning! On May 7, solar storm will pass through Earth, says NOAA. Find out its effects

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